‘‘The Council’ is an abstraction and as such cannot be allowed to obscure the mix of forces and personalities that marked the Council.’’ 1 In What Happened at Vatican II by John O’Malley, SJ, he mentions that “council” is a bit of a misnomer. I suggest that the...
Do we make use of the gifts that God has given us? Deacon Tom Elitz, SJ, reflects on the purpose of God’s gifts so that we might be transformed by them. Based on the readings for Sunday, November 19, 2023. God gives us lots of gifts. But, why? Hi I’m Deacon Tom Elitz,...
For centuries, anti-semitism was an abhorrent pillar of European Christianity. It drove repeated pogroms against Jews, as when, in 1096, nearly 1,000 Jews were slaughtered by the Christians of Worms after ludicrous accusations regarding the poisoning of a local well....
Be prepared! This is a huge theme throughout the Gospels. Fr. Eric Immel, SJ, reflects on how we can prepare ourselves for the Kingdom of God. Based on the readings for Sunday, November 12, 2023. Ready or not, here I come! I’m Fr. Eric Immel, and this is my one-minute...
“Isn’t the stock of the priesthood kind of low right now?” Fr. John asked. I sighed, mostly because I knew he was right. I was on the phone with the priest of the parish I grew up in, and I had just told him that I was midway through applying to enter the Jesuits. I...
Mothers and fathers are great examples of self-giving love. William Manaker, SJ, reflects on the example of parents and our call to serve one another. Based on the readings for Sunday, November 5, 2023. Want to know what true Christian leadership is? Look at a mother...
I like flying less and less. Perhaps it is because I am getting older, but the thrill I once had of “getting away” no longer holds much luster. Airport trips, I now realize, require me to arrive early – which I do not tend to do – only to wait – which I often struggle...
Can we truly be friends with God? Yes! Our call to love God is a call to a deeper relationship, which also means loving all those whom God loves. Deacon Tom Elitz, SJ, reflects on this call to greater friendship with God. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 29,...
Whose status or opinion do we care about the most? Some said that Jesus did not regard anyone’s status or opinion, but Austin Kleman, SJ, reflects on how Jesus calls us to focus on what is most important. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 22, 2023. Whose...
“Remember, Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies,” remarks Andy Dufresne in the movie Shawshank Redemption when things are at a low ebb. I remind people of this hope when they express despair at the apathy shown towards the...
